What condition is described as a mass of dilated, tortuous veins in the ano-rectum?

The condition described as a mass of dilated, tortuous veins in the ano-rectum is indeed hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids can occur either internally or externally, depending on their location relative to the anal sphincters. Internal hemorrhoids are located inside the rectum and may not be visible, while external hemorrhoids are found under the skin around the anus. The dilation and twisting of the veins are the result of increased pressure, which may be caused by a variety of factors, including straining during bowel movements, pregnancy, or prolonged sitting.

This condition often leads to symptoms such as pain, discomfort, itching, and in some cases, bleeding during bowel movements. Recognizing this specific characteristic—dilated, tortuous veins in the ano-rectum—is key to understanding the nature of hemorrhoids and distinguishing them from other conditions, such as varicose veins, which generally occur in the legs, or thrombosis, which refers to a blood clot within a blood vessel. A fistula, on the other hand, is an abnormal connection between the rectum and another structure, often resulting from infection or inflammation rather than the dilatation of veins.